Machico: Madeira's First Settlement and Golden Beach

Machico, on Madeira’s east coast, is where the first Portuguese settlers landed in the 15th century. Today it’s a pleasant town with a golden sand beach in a sheltered bay, a historic church and forts, and easy access to the airport and the Ponta de São Lourenço hike.

Quick answer: Machico is about 10 minutes from Madeira airport and 25 minutes from Funchal. Swim at the sheltered golden beach, see the historic Igreja Matriz and the little forts, and use it as a base for the eastern tip and the PR8 hike. See places to stay in Machico.

Things to do

• The beach: a sandy beach protected by breakwaters, good for families.
• The old town: the parish church, chapels and small forts.
• History: Machico was the first landing place of the Portuguese explorers.
• Pico do Facho: a viewpoint over the bay.

Nearby

• Ponta de São Lourenço: see the PR8 hike.
• Caniçal: the whaling museum.
• Santana: see Santana.

More: where to stay in Madeira and getting around Madeira.

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